Did anyone NOT tell their job about having surgery? How did that go? How long did you take off work?

I've told several people. They have all been very supportive. If they judge me I don't care!

I only told my head nurse and supervisor. Then did all my paper work at HR office.

I told my job that I was having surgery. However, I didn't tell them that I was having WLS because I was afraid that they would view the procedure as "elective" and tell me that I couldn't have the time off on such short notice (about a month before surgery). My supervisor knew that I had been having some health problems. So when I told her that I was having surgery, she didn't ask anymore questions. She figured that it had something to do with my existing health issues, which it did, and helped me with all of my paperwork.

I'm telling everyone at my office and I'd love to say I just don't care what they think, but in a way I do. I'd prefer not to be judged or be the topic of gossip but I also think I would feel worse if I tried to hide it and they discovered the truth anyway. Then I would REALLY be the topic of gossip.

My hope is that by being open about it people will get over their initial reactions, and move on. Besides, I plan on being in better shape than most of them by next year and then any remaining naysayers can kiss my butt.

Well, the reason I am not telling is I work in an office with only women! Jealous, spiteful, heartless women, that only want to know your personal business! I am not ashamed of having the surgery but if my office knew they would find a way to have me fired! I work with women that are a real piece of work!

I told my job about my surgery. Best thing i did. Turned out there were 4 people I work with that had it don't as well as two people getting it done. I've gotten a lot of great tips on the what,why and when lol.

I was very open, and they have been very supportive. Work directly with 20 people and they been great. Had my birthday an brought me presents instead of the morning tea. They put up with my moods. I've got 4 sleeps til op. Each situation is different and person is different. I have 2 weeks sick leave and can take more if needed. But need Drs clearance to return.

But everyone knows some who knows someone and the wakky stories you hear

I have decided not to advise my employer what type of surgery I am having. Like others, I am nervous they will see this as an "elective" surgery and deny my 30 day leave of absence.

Whats a good excuse we could make up for having surgery? My boss and co workers will ask questions. I need to come up with a good excuse as to why im having surgery and why i cant travel for at least a month.

This is not their business. Tell them it was a private medical matter and that you prefer not to discuss it. If you feel obligated to tell them something, tell then you have gastrointestinal issues that needed to be addressed. People usually freak out when you mention anything having to do with intestines or bowels anyhow.

Just say 'female stuff' that usually stops all conversation

I told no one! I just disappeared. They found me in the hospital. One of my coworkers literally arrived at my bedside in pre-op just as they were about to wheel me in for surgery. No one knows what I had; they think I became ill and had emergency surgery. When I return to work ( I took five weeks) they'll see my medical ID bracelet, but they won't dare ask.

I told no one! I just disappeared. They found me in the hospital. One of my coworkers literally arrived at my bedside in pre-op just as they were about to wheel me in for surgery. No one knows what I had; they think I became ill and had emergency surgery. When I return to work ( I took five weeks) they'll see my medical ID bracelet, but they won't dare ask.

One of your coworkers showed up bedside pre-op??? Wow...

One of your coworkers showed up bedside pre-op??? Wow...

Yes, she came running through there like she was one of Charlie's Angels on a case! It was too funny! Caught me completely off-guard.

I'm not telling anyone at my job or in my family except for my mother. I'm not telling anyone because 1) I'm a very private person and 2) most people are ignorant regarding surgery as they see it as "the easy way out." All of us that have done our research know that we will still have to exercise and make drastic changes to the way we eat. There's not going to be anything easy about that; however, I have pondered this and have come to this conclusion:

Let's say that for argument's sake that this is "the easy way out." If the result is becoming healthy, achieving a healthy BMI, and resolving potentially life-threatening health problems, then what the hell does it matter HOW it's achieved? It doesn't. Think about it. There isn't a one size fits all method to getting healthy period. Even at the gym, everyone's not following the same routine. Everyone's not visiting the same weight-loss center or following the same diet book either. The same goes for WLS. Just like any other weight loss method, we're going to have to work this as directed by our doctors and NUTs or else this won't work either.

With that being said, sometimes I feel like after I experience my success, that I should pass this along to my obese friends so they can experience the same success and at that point I will be better equipped to share details of my journey. I feel like people need to be educated about WLS and that I'd be doing them a favor to pull them up out of ignorance. Unfortunately for them, however, I probably won't do that as again, I'm very private and rarely feel compelled to lead the charge on anything. Also, I've noticed that when you reveal to people that you're on a diet or trying to lose weight or become healthier, they tend to begin to monitor what you're consuming and have a lot of questions and opinions for you. When you're fat and eating junk, they don't say anything...not to your face anyway. Whatever I decide to do though, will be my choice to make, as I am grown and owe nothing to any other grown folks. I only owe it to myself and to my child, who is watching, to be healthy and to set a good example.

In the final analysis, becoming healthy is the bottom line. The method is really irrelevant.

Edited November 23, 201411 yr by TrimTrekker